Bicuspid Heart Valve Disease - Should I be concerned?

[predoc]

I am a 20 year old that has Bicuspid Heart Valve Disease.  I had consulted a doctor a couple years ago and he told me I was perfectly fine.  But I just read up more on the disease and it has me very concerned.  I have many unanswered questions that has me troubled. Is there a possibility that I could go on for the rest of my life with no symptoms or does everyone with the disease have some sort of symptoms? Also how life threating is this disease? Is there anything I can do now that might reduce effects later, like less strenuous activity?  I greatly appreciate any help/suggestions I can get. Thank you.

[kenkeith]

Yes, it is possible to go through life without any medical problem, but sometimes in the third decade or before there is aorta valve insufficiency. Frequently, there is a finding of  dilation of the proximal ascending aorta secondary to abnormalities of the aortic valve structure as well.

What the usual protocol is to establish a baseline for the aorta root size and have periodic exams to watch for any fast growth or size increase to 4.0 cm (aneursym) and if the size ever gets to 5.0 cm, surgical intervention may be considered to prevent dissection.  If and when the aorta root becomes an aneurysm, it is important to control blood pressure and avoid heavy weight lifting that can cause a spike in blood pressure. Probably would be a good idea to maintain low blood before an aneurysm stage.

Hope this helps, and if you have any further questions you are welcome to respond.  Thanks for sharing, take care.